The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu of failing to uphold his constitutional responsibility to protect Nigerians, blaming his administration for the worsening insecurity across the country. The opposition party made the claim at its 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held Tuesday in Abuja.
Reading from the communiqué, Acting National Chairman Amb. Iliya Damagum condemned what he described as “President Tinubu’s negligence and abdication of duty,” citing increased incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism nationwide. The PDP also criticized the administration’s economic policies, including hikes in fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and what it called “multiple and unexplained charges,” which it said had led to business closures and widespread poverty.
The NEC warned that continued economic mismanagement and insecurity could push Nigeria into deeper crisis, and called on the federal government to urgently reverse what it described as “anti-people policies.”
In a separate development, the NEC resolved to defer any final decision regarding the status of the party’s embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, until June 30, 2025. This followed a formal petition by the party’s South East zone expressing a loss of confidence in Anyanwu, and the recommendation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that proper procedures be followed, including a 21-working-day notice and internal party processes.
INEC officials were present at the meeting, which was held at the PDP’s alternate national office in Maitama, Abuja.
The party also ratified the composition of two key committees ahead of its national convention. Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri was named Chairman of the Zoning Committee, with Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal as Vice-Chairman and Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang as Secretary. The Convention Committee will be chaired by Adamawa Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, with Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke as Vice-Chairman and Enugu Governor Peter Mbah (represented by his deputy) as Secretary.
Former Senate Presidents Bukola Saraki and Adolphus Wabara, as well as several past governors, national officers, and party stalwarts, attended the meeting. However, key figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Senate President David Mark were absent.
Meanwhile, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido warned that the collapse of the PDP would threaten Nigeria’s democratic future. Speaking on Channels TV, Lamido said the party’s continued existence was essential to national stability, arguing that the absence of a strong opposition could lead to “an emperor” emerging as president.
“If the PDP collapses, Nigeria will breed an emperor. All emperors are destroyed by their greed,” Lamido said. He also credited the PDP with laying the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, enabling later transitions of power, including that of President Tinubu.
In a related development, former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George criticized Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike over the recent sealing of the PDP national secretariat in Abuja. George accused Wike of betrayal, noting that the party was instrumental in his political rise.
George described the action—reportedly over a N7 million ground rent dispute—as politically vindictive and unnecessary. “If your family house owes rent, do you return to lock it up?” he asked, while suggesting that such minor financial disputes should not justify punitive action, especially by a party loyalist.
The PDP concluded the meeting with a vow to resist any attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to turn Nigeria into a “one-party state,” citing recent intimidation of opposition figures and institutions.
Nzubechukwu Eze
